When you need an additional layer of data security, google authenticator pc is a really helpful program. Unfortunately, Google Authenticator is currently restricted to mobile devices, but some substitutes make use of Google’s authentication mechanism.

Google Authenticator is a free service that you can use to add extra security to your phone and computer. It enables you to generate one-time passwords (OTP) for apps like Gmail, PayPal, Dropbox, and more, ensuring that no one else but you has access to your accounts. 

Once you’ve set it up on your device, you’ll be able to receive an OTP whenever you need one—for example, when logging into websites or apps. You could also use them as two-factor authentication codes if you’re using any other services with 2FA enabled. 

Setting up Google Authenticator on Android phones can be done in just a few steps. On iOS devices, the process is slightly different because you need to have the Google Authenticator app installed first. If you’re new to setting up two-factor authentication, this article will walk you through both methods step by step so you don’t miss out on any of the important details. 

Note: We recommend that you backup all of your sensitive data before you attempt to set up two-factor authentication. It’s a good idea to make sure there are no errors in your backups, and to check that they haven’t been corrupted by malware. 

First things first, let’s take a look at how you can set up Google Authenticator on Android. 

How do I set up Google Authenticator on my Android? 

If you have an Android phone, then the procedure for setting up Google Authenticator is pretty straightforward. The steps listed below should work for most Samsung and HTC devices; however, some users may experience issues trying to install Google Authenticator on their device. 

1. Download the Google Authenticator APK file from the official website. 
2. Once downloaded, open up the Settings menu on your device and tap Security & location. 
3. Tap Trust unknown sources under the Unknown Sources heading to enable “Unknown Source” option. 
4. Install the downloaded APK file. 
5. In order to verify that the installation was successful, head over to the Apps section of your device’s settings menu. 
6. Search for Google Authenticator, tap the entry, and follow the instructions on screen. 
7. When prompted, enter your phone number. 
8. Your phone will send a verification code to the number you inputted in Step 6. Enter the code and tap Confirm. 
9. Now that you’re set up, head back to the main Google Authenticator page and select Add account. 
10. Input your email address and choose either SMS or Phone Number. 
11. You’ll be asked to input a six digit PIN for this account. 
12. Once entered, tap Continue to proceed. 
13. You’ll now see a list of services that support Google Authenticator. Choose which ones you want to allow to generate OTPs and tap Done. 
14. After selecting the services you want to allow, tap Next and confirm that you wish to accept the terms and conditions. 
15. You’ll now be asked to grant permission to the app. Tap OK and wait while the app installs itself. 
16. You’ll finally get a success message. Congratulations! You’re all set up. From now on, you won’t need to remember a long string of numbers and letters to log into sites and apps. Instead, a short text message or code will suffice. 

How do I set up Google Authenticator on my iPhone? 

This method of setting up Google Authenticator on your iPhone is similar to the above procedure, only it’s a little bit different. Here’s what you need to know about setting up Google Authenticator on an iPhone: 

1. Open Safari on your device and navigate to the Google Authenticator website. 
2. Select Get Started. This will bring you to the Google Authenticator landing page. 
3. Click Start Free Trial and enter the code provided by your phone company. 
4. You’ll now be taken to the Google Authenticator app. Click Install. 
5. You’ll now be taken to the Terms and Conditions page. Click Agree and agree to the terms. 
6. You’ll be returned to the Google Authenticator homepage where you can start adding apps to your account. 
7. Scroll down the page until you find the Add Account button. 
8. Tap the button and log in with your account info. 
9. Enter your phone number. 
10. Hit Next. 
11. Enter your PIN. 
12. Hit Next again. 
13. Choose your preferred method of receiving OTPs. 
14. Choose whether or not you’d like to receive notifications for incoming messages. 
15. Finally, hit Finish. 

After you finish setting up your Google Authenticator account, you’ll be able to generate OTPs for applications that support them. You can do this by tapping the Google Authenticator app icon on your home screen, selecting the name of the application you want to generate an OTP for, and entering your PIN. 

The same basic procedure applies to setting up the app on an iPad as well. After downloading the app and installing it, go to General – Passcode Lock – Add Account. Follow the same instructions as outlined above to complete the setup process. 

That’s it! Google Authenticator is now ready to help keep your online accounts safe. Keep in mind that two-factor authentication isn’t always perfect, and there are plenty of ways hackers might try to break through it. However, Google Authenticator offers added protection against these threats and more.